They came together in St George’s Square before slowly making their way from John William Street and New Street, down Ramsden Street past Huddersfield Town Hall, along Victoria Lane and up King Street.

Shoppers gawped, giggled and in some cases shrieked as the macabre mass of misfits passed by.

Diners in coffee shops and fast food restaurants were given a fright by zombies pressing up against windows.

The event, popular, in North America, was the brainchild of Simon Kelling, whose day job is as a museums and outreach officer for Kirklees Council.

Simon, a self-confessed horror B-movie fan said: "It was bloody brilliant! I couldn’t believe how many people turned up.

"There was quite a lot of public interaction with zombies terrorising the public.

"It will be back again next year, hopefully bigger, better and scarier."

Paul Green was there with his partner Kerry Appleyard and eight-year-old son Ben Magourach.

They dressed as zombie surgeons.

Paul said: "It’s the first time we’ve done it. It’s a bit of a laugh and it’s for charity as well."

Damien Hunter, 34, spent four hours on his outfit and make-up.

He said: "I’ve done it all three years and it’s become a bit of a tradition."

Kay Parry, 26, was dressed as a zombie nurse. She said: "I heard about it through friends and it sounded like a good opportunity to get dressed up and have a laugh."

The prize for the most original outfit went to the zombie lollipop man.

The event raised at least £300 for Women’s Aid.

The Lawrence Batley Theatre held a film, art and performance night called the Hallowe’en Happening on Saturday.

Among the highlights was a screening of the cult horror classic Nosferatu, with live musical accompaniment, a candlelit telling of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Tell Tale Heart, a ghostly tour of the Crypt with Chol Theatre and music from 10-piece cabaret band Les Vegas and the International Playboys of Rhythm.